You’ll find Parker’s Tavern within the beautiful University Arms; the city’s oldest, and often thought of as grandest, hotel. The hotel itself has been open since 1834 and Parker’s Tavern reflects some of its legacy and history in a proudly British menu, that creatively reinvents classic dishes from across the country using seasonal, high-quality local produce.
An all day dining spot, the vibe here is relaxed and contemporary with an interior design scheme that works for brunch with friends or a nice dinner out for your birthday. Panelled walls are painted a pale pastel green, paired with punchy reds and browns, decorated with nods to the site’s past. Come at any time of day, from breakfast where the menu offers crowd-pleasing favourites like smashed avo on toast and Belgian waffles, or enjoy a quintessential afternoon tea with fresh, warm scones.
The a la carte dinner menus probably shows off the best of what’s on offer, though. To start, why not try snacks like the crispy cod cheek scampi with parsley aioli, or the quail Scotch eggs with carrot ketchup, followed by proper starters like pan-seared scallops with textured cauliflower, or Cley House smoked salmon served with caperberries, chive cream and cucumber ribbons. For mains, we like the sound of the fish cake with poached egg and rainbow chard served with peas and kale, as well as the oven roasted Norfolk chicken on lemon butter sauce, pumpkin seeds and grapefruit. And, for dessert, who could resist Basque cheesecake, especially when smothered with chocolate sauce?
Parker’s Tavern also has a chi-chi cocktail bar, complete with busy, floral wallpaper and impressive wooden bar. In here, you’ll find a fabulous cocktail menu with signatures like The Sixth Man with Buffalo Trace, Johnnie Walker Black and salted caramel, inspired by the story of a Soviet spy ring active during their university days. Apparently there was a sixth, but he was never caught.